performing arts

“A Man of No Importance” will make its regional premiere on Nov. 3-5 and 10-12. The show takes place in 1960s Ireland and follows the story of Alfie, who struggles to come to terms with who he is. Director Laurie Barnes and Assistant Director Betsy O’Brien spoke to Community Voices about the show, its Irish music, and the feeling of community in the performing arts.For ticket information: https://www.hcfta.org/tickets

“ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence” is a nationwide effort to bring awareness to the issue of gun violence through theater. The event takes places on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the UIS Studio Theatre. Springfield Moms Demand Action founder Tara McClellan McAndrew and UIS Students Demand Action founder Jessica Green spoke to Community Voices about the issue of gun violence and what to expect at the Nov. 6 event.For ticket information: https://uispac.com/enough-plays-to-end-gun-violence/

Joe-Michael Jackson and Ginny Racette are the co-directors of Spencer Theatre Company’s “The Mousetrap,” the world’s longest running play. They shared the history of the play and its author Agatha Christie. They also shared their thoughts on why the murder mystery genre is once again thrilling audiences. The show runs Feb. 17-19 and 24-26 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Mahogany and Deanna Knight are local drag queens. They spoke to Community Voices about their upcoming shows titled Drag Queen Bingo and The Knight Family Christmas Show. They also explained what it means to be in the Knight family and gave insight into the behind-the-scenes of female impersonation.

Dr. Leigh Steiner has worked in the mental health industry for more than 30 years. She is also well known for her contributions to the performing arts community, having directed several successful musical productions including “Cats” and “Sunday in the Park with George.” She spoke to Community Voices about how the human experience influences art, and how art helps us communicate our human experiences.

Dr. Matthew Vala is the Education Director of the Hoogland Performing Arts Education program at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. He recently received his doctorate in voice performance. He spoke to Community Voices about how he created the education program, which teaches students performing arts skills as well as confidence. He announced on the show that he will soon complete his last season at the Hoogland Center and shared what he hopes to do next.

Dr. Leigh Steiner has worked in the mental health industry for more than 30 years. She is also well known for her contributions to the performing arts community, having directed several successful musical productions including “Cats” and “Sunday in the Park with George.” She spoke to Community Voices about how the human experience influences art, and how art helps us communicate our human experiences.

Dr. Matthew Vala is the Education Director of the Hoogland Performing Arts Education program at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. He recently received his doctorate in voice performance. He spoke to Community Voices about how he created the education program, which teaches students performing arts skills as well as confidence. He announced on the show that he will soon complete his last season at the Hoogland Center and shared what he hopes to do next.